‘I’d never want to ride on Jeh’s fame’

Celina Wadia on her husband, in-laws Nusli and Maureen Wadia and wanting to launch a fashion line.

She first met her husband Jeh Wadia around 11 years ago. What followed was a flurry of trips to India and today, after being married for almost four years, the doe-eyed Celina Wadia feels very much at home in this vibrant city of Mumbai. 

“I was meant to be here. After all, destiny brought Jeh and me together. But India has deepened me spiritually – living here has taught me to be more appreciative of everything I have and yes, God has been very kind to me,” she explains.

Of course, their like-mindedness has only helped things. “We are very similar in that we both are very private and sensitive in our approach – we prefer to spend more time with the family and love to be near the sea. You could say he’s the male version of me and I’m the girl version of him,” she smiles.

He is also someone she has always looked upto. “Jeh inspires me. He is very hard-working; I’m really proud of him,” says Celina.

Then there are her kids – the 3-year-old Jahangir and the 11-month-old Ella (they both look like Jeh) – who mean the world to her. “I’m a hands-on mother who doesn’t want to miss a second of anything they are doing,” reveals Celina.

Understandably then, she has put her career plans on hold. “I’m in the process of starting a fashion line of my own. But it will take time as my kids are still very young,” she says, adding,” I’d never want to ride on Jeh’s fame and success.”

Talk then veers towards her famous in-laws starting with her mother-in-law - the ever stylish Maureen. “I admire Maureen’s strength and perfection as a mother, wife and a career woman. She’s always given me great advice and direction. In fact, I want to work alongside her at the Wadia hospital,” she states.

Father-in-law Nusli Wadia is a ‘fantastic grandfather’ who spends a lot of time with the kids. “Especially on Sundays, when the family gets together. We love spending quality time with each other,” she says.

As for brother-in-law Ness, he’s like a brother to her and is just ‘adorable’. “Jeh and Ness share a strong bond; they have always been there for each other. Moreover, they are very focused and have never accepted things on a platter,” reveals Celina.

p_vidya@dnaindia.net